KR20180004143A - A plurality of interconnected tissues for use in a dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues that collectively define a laminate. Each tissue is connected to at least one other tissue in only one of the right and left sides of the stack through a connection. In certain embodiments, the connections immediately following in the stacked direction are alternately on the right and left sides of the stack. In other embodiments, the connections immediately following in the laminated direction are on the same side of the laminate.

Description

A plurality of interconnected tissues for use in a dispenser

The present invention relates to a plurality of integrally interconnected tissues for use in a dispenser.

The tissue market has a variety of storage and dispensing containers. Tissues have been made from a variety of materials, which can be dry or wet during use. Wet wipes may be wet with a variety of suitable wiping solutions. Typically, the wet tissue is laminated in a container in a folded or unfolded configuration. For example, each of the wet tissues stacked in the container is used in a wet tissue container arranged in a folded configuration such as c-folding, z-folding, or 1/4 folding or the like, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Occasionally, each folded wet tissue is interfolded with wet tissue immediately above and below the wet tissue on a stack of tissues. In alternative arrangements, the wet tissues have been placed in a container in the form of a continuous web of material comprising perforations suitable for allowing individual wet tissues to be separated from a continuous web of material upon application of a pulling force. These wet tissues were used for baby tissues, hand tissues, personal hygiene tissues, household cleaning tissues, industrial tissues, and the like.

Conventional tissue packaging containers are typically designed to be located on a plane such as a countertop, a table, or the like. Such conventional packaging containers often include plastic containers, vats, or packaging containers that provide a sealed environment for the wet tissue to ensure that the wet tissue is not dirty or excessively dry. Some of the conventional packages were also configured to distribute each wet tissue one at a time, which could be achieved with one hand after the package was opened. This one hand dispensing at a time by one hand is particularly desirable since the rest of the user or caregiver hand must normally be used simultaneously for other functions. For example, when replacing an infant's diaper product, the carer typically uses one hand to hold and hold the infant in the desired location while dispensing the baby tissue using the other hand to clean the infant.

The " pop-up " configuration of the wet tissue dispenser can advantageously provide one dispensing at a time with the above-mentioned one hand. In the " pop-up " configuration, when the tissue is detached from the dispenser, the tissue is in contact with the preceding tissue of the package through an integral connection along the folding, adhesive bonding or perforation line, Pull along the tip of the trailing tissue. Preferably, the leading tissue of the leading tissue is separated from the shelf of the trailing tissue while the leading tissue is pulled away from the package, leaving the leading edge of the trailing tissue protruding from the package. In this way, the leading edge of the trailing tissue is immediately positioned automatically to catch and withdraw from the package, and the trailing tissue before it is now the leading tissue.

Historically, two malfunctions may have occurred during the operation just described. In one scenario, as the leading tissue is withdrawn, the leading tissue may not be properly unwound from the trailing tissue, resulting in the trailing tissue being too far away, or even completely, from the package. The situation in which one or more trailing tissues are pulled out of the package by a single pulling action due to operational contact with the preceding tissue is referred to herein as "multiples. &Quot; Multiple occurrences can occur due to an excessively strong or geometrically inefficient connection between subsequent tissues (e.g., too much adhesive or insufficient web perforation), or that the trailing tissue is not sufficiently held in place May occur due to a distribution orifice (e.g., too large a distribution orifice).

In another scenario, as the leading tissue is withdrawn, the trailing tissue may not be readily accessible for subsequent dispensing after it has dislodged from the preceding tissue. For example, although the leading edge of the trailing tissue may instantaneously protrude from the package when following the leading tissue during withdrawal of the leading tissue, the leading edge of the trailing tissue often retracts later into the dispensing container through the dispensing orifice, Fallback ". Fallback may occur due to insufficiently strong or geometrically inefficient connections between subsequent tissues (e.g., insufficient glue or excessively weak lines of weakness), or that do not hold the leading edge of the trailing tissue sufficiently outwardly Can be caused by the distribution orifice (e.g., too large a distribution orifice). Occasionally, for example, when the connection between the leading tissue and the trailing tissue is prematurely broken (i.e., before the leading tissue is completely drawn out), the trailing tissue may not completely come out of the package as the leading tissue is drawn.

As a result, what is lacking in the art is a stack of tissues connected together in a manner that provides improved "pop-up" distribution.

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues that collectively define a laminate. The laminate has a right end, a left end, a transverse direction extending between the right end and the left end, a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, and a longitudinal center line extending in the longitudinal direction and located intermediate between the right end and the left end . The laminate defines the right side in the transverse direction between the longitudinal center line and the right end and the left in the transverse direction between the longitudinal center line and the left end. Each tissue is connected to at least one other tissue in only one of the right and left sides of the stack through a connection.

In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of the tissues of the first embodiment, wherein the connecting portions directly following in the stacked direction alternate on the right and left sides of the stack.

In a third embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of the tissues of the first embodiment, wherein the connecting portions directly following in the laminated direction are on the same side of the laminate.

In a fourth embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues that collectively define a laminate. The laminate has a right end, a left end, a transverse direction extending between the right end and the left end, a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, and a longitudinal center line extending in the longitudinal direction and located intermediate between the right end and the left end . The laminate defines the right side in the transverse direction between the longitudinal center line and the right end and the left in the transverse direction between the longitudinal center line and the left end. The plurality of tissues includes a first tissue, a second tissue, and a third tissue. The right connection portion connects the first tissue to the second tissue on the right side of the stack and the right connection portion has an effective width extending in the transverse direction. The first tissue is connected to the second tissue only on the right side. The left connection portion connects the second tissue to the third tissue on the left side of the laminate, and the left connection portion has an effective width extending in the transverse direction. The second tissue is connected to the third tissue only on the left side.

In a fifth embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of the tissues of the fourth embodiment, wherein the right connecting portion effective width and the left connecting portion effective width are respectively 10% or less of the width of the laminate lateral direction.

In a sixth embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of the tissues of any one of the fourth and fifth embodiments, wherein the majority of the right-hand connections and most of the left-hand connections each comprise 3 to 8 crosslinked strips.

In a seventh embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues that collectively define a laminate. The laminate has a right end, a left end, a transverse direction extending between the right end and left end, a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, and a longitudinal center line extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the right end and the left end . The laminate defines the right side in the transverse direction between the longitudinal center line and the right end and the left in the transverse direction between the longitudinal center line and the left end. The plurality of tissues includes a first tissue, a second tissue, and a third tissue. The first right side connection connects the first tissue to the second tissue on the right side of the laminate and the first right side connection has an effective width extending in the transverse direction. The first tissue is connected to the second tissue only on the right side. The second right side connection connects the second tissue to the third tissue on the right side of the laminate and the second right side connection has an effective width extending in the transverse direction. The second tissue is connected to the third tissue only on the right side.

In an eighth embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of tissues of the seventh embodiment, wherein the first right connecting portion effective width and the second right connecting portion effective width are respectively 10% or less of the width of the laminate lateral direction.

In a ninth embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of the tissues of the seventh or eighth embodiment, wherein the entirety of each connection of the laminate is closer to the right end of the laminate than the longitudinal centerline of the laminate.

In a tenth embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of tissues of any one of the seventh to ninth embodiments, wherein the majority of the connections each comprise 3 to 8 crosslinked strips.

In an eleventh embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of the tissues of any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein each of the right-side joints of each of the laminates is arranged on the right side end of the laminates Wherein the entire left side connection of each laminate is closer to the laminate left end than the longitudinal center line of the laminate.

In a twelfth embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of the tissues of any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, wherein most of the connections in the laminate are formed integrally with the tissue.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of tissues of any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, wherein no connection is formed integrally with the tissue in the laminate.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of tissues of the thirteenth embodiment, wherein each connection is achieved through ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding or pressure bonding.

In a fifteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a dispenser containing a plurality of the tissues of any of the first to fourteenth embodiments, wherein the dispenser and the plurality of tissues are adapted to provide a pop-up dispensation of the tissues together, Defines a dispensing orifice wherein the dispense orifice is laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline by at least 25% of the width of the stack in the transverse direction toward the right end.

The present invention will be more fully understood and further features will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are only exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The same parts of the items shown in the drawings are referred to by the same reference numerals.
FIG. 1 is an exemplary view of a portion of a plurality of integrally interconnected tissues according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A shows an exemplary close-up view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG.
Figure 2b represents an alternative embodiment of the portion shown in Figure 2a.
Fig. 3 representatively shows a perspective view of a stack of folded, integrally interconnected tissues similar to the tissue shown in Fig.
Figure 4 representatively shows a cross-sectional view of the stack of tissues shown in Figure 3 taken along line 4-4.
Figure 5 representatively shows a plurality of integrally interconnected tissues shown in Figure 2B where an elongated minor tear is torn.
Figure 6 represents an exemplary perspective view of a tissue dispenser suitable for use with certain embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 7 representatively illustrates a plurality of integrally interconnected tissues according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an exemplary view of a plurality of integrally interconnected tissues according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an exemplary view of a plurality of non-integral interconnected tissues according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10A represents an exemplary front view of a stack of folded and interconnected tissues, such as those shown in any of Figures 1-3 and 7-9.
FIG. 10B is an exemplary top view of a stack of folded and interconnected tissues, such as those shown in any of FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 7-9.
10c representatively shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stack of tissues when viewed along line XX of FIG. 10b, wherein the tissue-tissue connections alternate on the sides of the stack.
10d representatively shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a stack of tissues when viewed along line XX of FIG. 10b, wherein all of the tissue-tissue connections are on the same side of the stack.
11 is an exemplary top view of a dispenser suitable for use with certain embodiments of the present invention, partially cut away to show a stack of tissues received therein.
Figures 12a-12c illustrate three steps in an embodiment of the method aspect of the present invention.

The present invention will be more fully understood and further features will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are only exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Similar parts of the package shown in the figures are referred to by the same reference numerals.

Referring to Figures 1-6, a plurality of integrally interconnected tissues 10 are gathered to define the web 12. The web has a longitudinal direction 20 extending parallel to the right edge 14, a left edge 16, a right edge 14 and a left edge 16, a transverse direction 22 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 20, And a longitudinal centerline 21 extending in the longitudinal direction 20 and intermediate between the right edge 14 and the left edge 16. The web defines the right side 15 in the transverse direction between the centerline 21 and the right edge 14 and the web defines the left side 17 in the transverse direction between the centerline 21 and the left edge 16. As shown in the figure, the plurality of tissues 10 include at least a first tissue 30, a second tissue 32, and a third tissue 34.

In certain embodiments, a first transverse interrupted perforation line 40 extends across web 12, as is typically shown in Figs. 1-3. The first transverse interrupted perforation line 40 divides the web 12 into two longitudinally adjacent tissues: a first tissue 30 and a second tissue 32. The first transverse interrupted perforation line 40 defines a right major tie 42, in certain embodiments, a left minor tie 44a. The right major tie 42 and the left minor tie 44a jointly connect the first tissue 30 to the second tissue 32. The right major tie 42 has a width 43 and the left minor tie 44a has a width 45. [ The widths 43 and 45 all extend in the transverse direction 22. The width 43 of the right major tie 42 is larger than the width 45 of the left minor tie 44a.

In certain embodiments, the second transversal interrupted perforation line 50 extends across the web 12. The second transverse interrupted perforation line 50 divides the web 12 into two longitudinally adjacent tissues: a second tissue 32 and a third tissue 34. The second transverse interrupted perforation line 50 defines the left major tie 52 and, in certain embodiments, the right minor tie 54a. The left major tie 52 and the right minor tie 54a jointly connect the second tissue 32 to the third tissue 34. The left major tie 52 has a width 53 and the right minor tie 54a has a width 55. [ The widths 53 and 55 all extend in the transverse direction 22. The width 53 of the left major tie 52 is larger than the width 55 of the right minor tie 54a. It is noted that the perforations 40, 50 may be straight, wavy, zigzag, or otherwise non-straight. In addition, the perforations 40, 50 may be parallel to the transverse direction 22, not parallel to the transverse direction 22, and may, for example, be inclined relative to the transverse direction 22.

The right side tie 42 has a width of at least 1 mm, more particularly at least 3 mm, even more particularly at least 5 mm, even more particularly at least 10 mm, in the right edge 14, in particular embodiments as shown for example in Figures 1 and 2a. And the left major tie 52 is spaced from the left edge 16 by at least 1 mm, more particularly at least 3 mm, even more particularly at least 5 mm, even more particularly at least 10 mm. The right major tie 42 abuts the right edge 14 and the left major tie 52 abuts the left edge 16. In other embodiments, as shown for example in FIG.

In certain embodiments (Figures 1, 2A, and 2B), the first transverse interrupted perforation line 40 defines at least two left minor ties 44a, 44b, and the second transverse interrupted perforations 50 Define at least two right minor ties 54a, 54b. 2b), the first transverse interrupted perforation line 40 defines at least three left minor ties 44a, 44b, 44c and the second transverse interrupted perforation line 50 defines at least three left minor ties 44a, 44b, 44c. In certain embodiments Right minor ties 54a, 54b, 54c. In certain embodiments, the first transverse interrupted perforation line 40 defines at least one right minor tie 44d and the second transverse interrupted perforation line 50 defines at least one left minor tie 54d. do.

In certain embodiments, the width 43/53 of each major tie 42/52 is between about 2 and 15 mm wide, and more particularly between about 2 and 10 mm wide. In certain embodiments, the major tie is more than 3 mm wide, more particularly more than 4 mm wide, even more particularly more than 5 mm wide, even more particularly more than 8 mm wide. Additionally or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the width 45/55 of each minor tie 44/54 is between about 0.5 and 3 mm wide. In certain embodiments, the minor tie is less than 3 mm wide, more specifically less than 2 mm wide, and even more particularly less than 1 mm wide. In certain embodiments, the width 45/55 of each major tie 42/52 is at least three times greater than the width 45/55 as each minor tie 43/53.

In another aspect of the invention, the dispenser 11 comprises a plurality of integrally interconnected tissues 10 as described above. The dispenser 11 and the plurality of tissues 10 are arranged to provide a pop-up distribution of the tissues together. Examples of suitable distributors for use with certain embodiments of the present invention include those described in U.S. 6,523,690 B1; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0174974 A1; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0001072 A1; And U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0374432 A1, each of which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that it is consistent with the present application.

The dispenser 11 may comprise any suitable number of individual tissues depending on the size of the dispenser and the intended end use. For example, the dispenser may include a stack of tissues that may include at least about 5 tissues, preferably from about 8 to about 320 individual tissues, more preferably from about 16 to about 64 tissues Lt; / RTI > The size and shape of the stack of tissues depends on the size and shape of the dispenser and vice versa.

In certain embodiments, a plurality of integrally interconnected tissues 10 are disposed in the laminate 13 as shown typically in FIGS. The examples shown in Figs. 3 and 4 use a laminate 13 such as an accordion. The individual tissues may be connected together in the transverse interrupted perforations 40, 50 as described above. The transverse interrupted perforations can be provided by means known to those skilled in the art, such as perforating, indenting, or cutting the material in the web. For example, perforations can be provided to the web of material by passing the web of material between the die cutter roll and the anvil roll. In the illustrated embodiment, the transversely interrupted perforations are located in the middle of the stack of folded tissues, which is advantageous when dispensed from dispensers having dispensing orifices located at the center. In alternate embodiments (not shown), the interrupted perforations may be " off center " or positioned at the edge of the laminate.

In certain embodiments, the purpose of the above-mentioned major tie is to provide improved pop-up distribution. The purpose of the minor tie is to facilitate the commercial manufacture of tissues. Specifically, the tissue products are typically formed as very long, continuous webs or sheets. Examples of suitable materials are described below. After forming the continuous sheet, the sheet typically undergoes additional processing steps including, for example, drying, calendering, embossing, wrinkle removal, slitting, perforation and winding. Of these additional processing steps, the continuous sheet is generally under tension in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. If adjacent tissues are integrally interconnected only by a major tie as described herein, the consistent and reliable handling of the continuous sheet can be compromised because the major tie alone provides sufficient strength for the continuous sheet for commercial, high speed, And does not provide integrity. The introduction of a minor tie as described herein permits a more rigid handling of the continuous sheet during manufacture. In this way, major tie and minor tie together allow for an actual commercial production of an optimized pop-up distribution experience.

Another way to clearly illustrate key features of a particular embodiment of the invention is as follows. The web 12 includes a plurality of transversely interrupted perforations (e.g., 40, 50). The perforations are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction 20 to define individual tissues (e.g., 30/32/34). Each of the perforations (e.g., 40/50) defines a major tie (e.g., 42/52) and a minor tie (e.g., 44/54) . The width 43 of the major tie 42 is larger than the width 53 of the minor tie. The major ties (e.g., 42/52) in the plurality of perforations (e.g., 40, 50) extending in the longitudinal direction alternate to the right and left sides 15, 17 of the longitudinal centerline 21. In this manner, a plurality of major ties are disposed in the web 12 in a " zigzag " pattern in the longitudinal direction, as shown typically in FIG.

A plurality of integrally interconnected tissues 10 as described above may provide improved dispensing techniques in certain embodiments. As the leading edge 62 of the tissue 34 is pulled by the user at the top of the laminate 13 with reference to the tissue, e.g., Figs. 3 and 4, a series of events begins. First, one or more minor ties 52 are torn as the tissue 34 is pulled up from the stack. As more than one minor tie 52 is torn, the tissue 34 begins to sideways or even assume a diamond shape, as is typically shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In certain embodiments, the laminate 13 and / or the dispenser 11 may promote tearing of the major tie 42 and cause the tissue 34 to be pulled out of the stack 34, as the trailing tissue 32 begins to be lifted from the stack. And is configured to completely unwind from the web 12.

10A-10D, the present invention includes a plurality of stacked interconnected tissues 10 that, in certain embodiments, are assembled to define a stack 13. The stack 13 includes a right end 114, a left end 116, a transverse direction 122 extending between the right end 114 and the left end 116, a longitudinal direction 122 perpendicular to the transverse direction 122 120 and a longitudinal centerline 121 extending in the longitudinal direction 120 and intermediate between the right and left ends 114, The stack body 13 defines the right side 115 in the transverse direction between the longitudinal center line 121 and the right side end 114 and the right side 115 in the transverse direction between the longitudinal center line 121 and the left side end 116 ). In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 10A-10D, each tissue is folded in half in the longitudinal direction 120. [ Figure 10b shows a top view of the stack of folded tissues of Figure 10a. The leading edge 29 of the tissue at the top of the laminate 13 can be seen in Fig.

As shown for example in FIGS. 7 through 9, 10C and 10D, in certain embodiments, each tissue is connected to the right side 115 and left side 117 of the laminate 13, And is connected to at least one other tissue. In certain embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9 and 10c, the adjoining connecting portions in the lamination direction 119 are alternately disposed on the right and left sides 115, 117 of the laminate body 13 . In other embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in Figs. 8 and 10D, adjacent connecting portions in the lamination direction 119 are formed on the same side of the laminate (for example, on the right side 115 as shown in Fig. 10D) have. Fig. 7 shows several interconnected tissues from the laminate shown in Fig. 10C, Fig. 8 shows several interconnected tissues from the laminate shown in Fig. 10d, wherein a plurality of interconnected tissues are in each case Expanded and fully extended to show various features.

For example, referring to FIGS. 7, 9 and 10C, in certain embodiments, a plurality of tissues 10 may include a first tissue 130, a second tissue 132, and a third tissue 134, . The right connection 142 connects the first tissue 130 to the second tissue 132 at the right side 115 of the stack 13. The first tissue 130 is only connected to the second tissue 132 at the right side 115 of the stack 13. The left connecting portion 152 also connects the second tissue 132 to the third tissue 134 at the left side 117 of the stack 13. The second tissue 132 is connected to the third tissue 134 only on the left side 117 of the stack 13.

8 and 10D, in certain embodiments, the plurality of tissues 10 includes a first tissue 130, a second tissue 132, and a third tissue 134 . The first right connection 142a connects the first tissue 130 to the second tissue 132 at the right side 115 of the stack 13. The first tissue 130 is only connected to the second tissue 132 at the right side 115 of the stack 13. The second right connection 142b also connects the second tissue 132 to the third tissue 134 at the right side 115 of the stack 13. The second tissue 132 is connected to the third tissue 134 only on the right side 115 of the laminate 13. FIG. 8 shows a plurality of interconnected tissues from a stack somewhat similar to that shown in FIG. 10D, wherein a plurality of interconnected tissues are unfolded and fully extended to show various features.

In certain embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 10C and 10D, most of the tissue-tissue connections in the stack of tissues 13 are formed integrally with the tissue. For example, the connections 142 and 152 may each include three bridging strips 192. The bridging strips 192a, 192b and 192c gather to define the right connection 142 and the bridging strips 192d, 192e and 192f collect to define the left connection 152. [ The number of bridging strips may vary depending on the tissues involved, and in particular embodiments, the distribution mechanism required by the particular arrangement and configuration of the divider. In certain embodiments, each of the connections 142, 152 includes between two and ten, more particularly three to eight, bridging strips. Preferably, in certain embodiments, each of the crosslinked strips has a width in the transverse direction of 1 to 5 mm, and more preferably each of the crosslinked strips has a width in the transverse direction of 1.5 to 3 mm. In other embodiments, the tissue-tissue connection in the laminate is not integrally formed with the tissue. For example, referring to FIG. 9, connections 142 and 152 are achieved through energy coupling. Examples of suitable energy bonds include ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding or pressure bonding. Bonding can also be achieved through bonding materials such as adhesives.

The stack has a width 113 measured in the transverse direction 122. The right connection portion 142 has an effective width 143 that extends in the lateral direction 122 and the left connection portion 152 has an effective width 153 that extends in the lateral direction 122. The "effective width" is the transverse distance between the two most distant connection points connecting adjacent and subsequent tissues in a laminate within a single side 115, 117 of the laminate 13. [ Therefore, in any case, the effective width of the connecting portion can not be larger than half of the lateral width 113 of the laminate. Preferably, the effective width of the connecting portion is significantly less than half the lateral width of the stack. 7 and 9, the right connection effective width 143 and the left connection effective width 153 are each at most 10% of the laminate lateral width 113 . 8, the first right connecting portion effective width 143a and the second right connecting portion effective width 143b are respectively 10% of the laminate lateral width 113 to the maximum.

7, 9 and 10C, the entire right connection 142 of each of the laminate 13 is laminated to the longitudinal center line 121 of the laminate 13, The entire left side connection portion 152 of the laminate body 13 is closer to the laminate left side end portion 116 than the longitudinal center line 121 of the laminate body 13. 8 and 10D, the entirety of each connection of the stack 13 is more rigid than the longitudinal centerline 121 of the stack, for example, the stack right side end 114. In other embodiments, - closer to the end of a single laminate.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser 11 includes a plurality of interconnected tissues 10. The dispenser 11 and the plurality of tissues 10 are adapted to provide a pop-up distribution of the tissues together. The dispenser 11 defines a dispensing orifice 111 through which the tissues can be dispensed from the dispenser 11. In certain embodiments, as in the example of Figures 6 and 12, the dispensing orifice 111 is centered in the transverse direction. The distribution orifices 111 are formed in the laminate lateral width 113 as shown in the example of Figure 11 in which the orifices 111 are offset toward the left end 116 of the laminate 13. In other instances, Is laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline 121 of the stack of tissues 13 contained therein by at least 25%. Of course, the orifice 111 may alternatively be offset towards the right end 114 of the stack 13 (which in certain embodiments may be offset from the stack, such as the stack 13, May be advantageous for use with a stack of tissues having all the tissue-tissue connections on the right side 115 of the tissue.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of dispensing a tissue. The method includes the step of providing a laminate 13 of tissues, as representatively shown in Figs. 10A-10D. The laminate 13 has a first end portion (e.g., right end portion 114), a second end portion (e.g., left end portion 116), a transverse direction extending between the first end portion 114 and the second end portion 116, A longitudinal direction 120 perpendicular to the transverse direction 122 and a longitudinal center line 121 extending in the transverse direction 120 and intermediate between the first and second ends 114 and 116. The stack defines a first side (e.g., right side 115) in the transverse direction between the longitudinal centerline 121 and the first end 114 and a transverse To define a second side (e.g., left side 117).

Each tissue of the laminate 13 is generally rectangular in shape and each tissue defines four corners. 7, tissue 134 defines corners 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d and tissue 132 defines corners 72a / 72b / 72c / 72d. 8, tissue 134 defines edges 80a / 80b / 80c870d and tissue 132 defines edges 82a / 82b / 82c / 82d. The method further comprises providing the distributor 11 in certain embodiments. The dispenser 11 has a dispensing orifice 101 which can draw the tissues from the dispenser 11 through the dispensing orifice.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment schematically illustrated in Figures 12A-12C, the method includes grasping the presented edges 90 of the leading tissue 234 and pulling the presented edges 90 of the leading tissue 234 to expose the leading tissue 234 ) Out of the distributor (11). As the leading tissue 234 is withdrawn, the leading tissue 234 is released from the trailing tissue 232 so that the presented edge 92 of the trailing tissue 232 protrudes from the dispensing orifice 101. Tissue edges other than the presented edges do not protrude from the dispensing orifice (101). As used herein, " presented edge " means the edge of a tissue that protrudes away from the laminate through the dispensing orifice of the dispenser, so that the user can easily catch it.

In certain embodiments, the presented edges 90 of the leading tissue 234 and the presented edges 92 of the trailing tissue 232 originate from the opposite side 115/117 of the stack 13. Preferably, in these embodiments, each tissue of the laminate 13 is connected to at least one other tissue at a single one of the right side 115 and left side 117 of the laminate through a connection. In other words, each tissue in the laminate is connected to at least one other tissue at either the right side 115 of the laminate 13 or the left side 117 of the laminate 13, rather than on both sides. The adjacent connecting portions 142 and 152 in the stacking direction 119 are alternately shifted from the right side 115 to the left side 117 as proposed by the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9 and 10c . Each of the right connection portions 142 in the laminate body 13 is closer to the right side end portion 114 of the laminate body than the longitudinal center line 121 of the laminate body 13, The connection portion 152 is closer to the laminate left end 116 than the longitudinal center line 121 of the laminate 13. [

For example, referring to Figures 12a-12c and 7, in certain embodiments of the method, the presented edge 90 of the leading tissue 234 is aligned with the edge 70a of the third tissue 134 in Figure 7, And the presented edge 92 of the trailing tissue 232 corresponds to the edge 72b of the second tissue 132 in FIG. In this embodiment, as the leading edge (edge 70a) of the leading tissue 234 (tissue 134) is pulled out of the dispenser 11, the leading tissue 234 (tissue 134) Is released from the trailing tissue 232 (tissue 132) so that the presented edge 92 (edge 72b) of the trailing tissue 232 (tissue 132) protrudes from the dispensing orifice 101. The proposed edge 90 (edge 70a) of the anterior tissue 234 (tissue 134) and the presented edge 92 (edge 72b) of the trailing tissue 232 (edge 132) 13 on the opposite side 115/117. Specifically, the edge 70a originates from the right side 115 of the laminate, and the edge 72b originates from the left side 117 of the laminate. It is noted that when the edge 70a is the edge shown, the three remaining edges 70b, 70c, 70d of the tissue 134 are retained within the dispenser so that only the edge 70a, only the edge 70a, do. Similarly, when the edge 72b is at the presented edge, the three remaining edges 72a, 72c, 72d of the tissue 132 are retained within the dispenser so that only the edge 72b, only the edge 72b, Lt; / RTI >

In other embodiments, the presented edge 90 of the leading tissue 232 and the presented edge 92 of the trailing tissue 232 are each positioned from the same side of the stack (e.g., from the right side 115 or from the left side 117) ). Preferably, in these embodiments, each tissue of the laminate 13 is connected to at least one other tissue at only the first side 115 of the laminate through a connection. The adjacent connecting portions 143a, 143b in the laminated direction 119 are all on the first side 115 of the laminate, as suggested by the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 10d. Preferably, each of the connection portions 143 in the laminate is closer to the first end 114 of the laminate than the longitudinal center line 121 of the laminate 13.

For example, referring to Figures 12A-12C and 8, in certain embodiments of the method, the presented edge 90 of the preceding tissue 234 is aligned with the edge 80a of the third tissue 134 in Figure 8, And the presented edge 92 of the trailing tissue 232 corresponds to the edge 82a of the second tissue 132 in FIG. In this embodiment, as the leading edge 234 (tissue 134) is pulled out of the dispenser 11 by pulling out the presented edge 90 (edge 80a) of the leading tissue 234 (tissue 134) Is released from the trailing tissue 232 (tissue 132) so that the presented edge 92 (edge 82a) of the trailing tissue 232 (tissue 132) protrudes from the dispensing orifice 101. The proposed edge 90 (edge 82a) of the anterior tissue 234 (tissue 134) and the presented edge 92 (edge 80a) of the trailing tissue 232 (edge 132) (13). Specifically, the edge 80a originates from the right side 115 of the laminate, and the edge 82a originates from the right side 115 of the laminate. Note that three remaining edges 80b, 80c and 80d of the tissue 134 are retained inside the dispenser when the edge 80a is at the presented edge so that only the edge 80a, only the edge 80a, is provided do. Similarly, when the edge 82a is the presented edge, the three remaining edges 82b, 82c, 82d of the tissue 132 are held within the dispenser so that only the edge 82a, only the edge 82a, Lt; / RTI >

The above-described structures and methods may provide a number of useful features in certain embodiments. First, the dispensing mechanism just described can provide the user with the edge of the next tissue in the laminate, which provides specific accessibility benefits in a particular application. Second, due to the manner in which the tissue is laterally inclined or " deformed " in a general " diamond-like " shape, the force distribution variability can be controlled better (e. G., The undesirable " fallback " Thereby making the distribution more reliable and predictable. Thirdly, the force required to dispense the tissue in certain embodiments of the present invention is lower than in many conventional configurations, which means that before the dispenser (often made of a relatively lightweight polymer) Preferably, more tissue is dispensed from the dispenser. Finally, the pop-up dispensing configuration described herein can have a vector quantity oriented "diagonally" from edge to edge, as opposed to purely mechanical or cross machine direction (which may be weaker than either or both of the " Which reduces tissue tearing due to the fact that it is believed to be.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the rotation of the trailing tissue of about 45 degrees (the sheet 32 in Figures 5 and 6; the sheet 232 in Figure 12), while not limiting the scope of the invention to the claims, It is theorized that the tissues 32/232 are gathered together and have a non-uniform profile in the dispensing direction as they pass through the dispensing orifice. For tissue 45/32 rotated to 45 degrees, the thickest section of the tissue contacts the dispensing orifice when the sheet 32 is dispensed approximately half (approximately diagonally in the diagonal direction of the square sheet) The resistance of the tissue is greatest at this "half-split" point. This varying force of resistance to dispensing helps to maintain the trailing tissue 32 near the dispensing center, thereby helping to reduce fallback or multiple.

Materials suitable for the tissue of the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art. A tissue, such as a previously wetted tissue, may be prepared, for example, as a meltblown, coform, air-laid, bonded-carded or hydroentangled material, a high wet strength tissue, or a combination of these, such as a laminated combination thereof . The tissue may comprise synthetic fibers or natural fibers or combinations thereof. A tissue suitable for use with the present invention may contain a liquid which may be any solution that is absorbed into the tissue and can make the tissue a " wet wipe ". The liquid contained within the wet tissues may comprise any suitable ingredients that provide the desired wipe characteristics. For example, the ingredients can include water, a softener, a surfactant, an antiseptic, a chelating agent, a pH buffer, a flavoring, or a combination thereof. The liquid may also include lotions, ointments, and / or medicaments. The amount of liquid contained in each wet tissue may vary depending on the type of material used to provide the wet tissue, the type of liquid used, the type of vessel used to store the layer of wet tissue, and the desired end use of the wet tissue . Generally, each wipe may contain from about 150 to about 600 weight percent, preferably from about 200 to about 400 weight percent liquid based on the dry weight of the tissue for improved wiping. Examples of tissue substrates suitable for use with the present invention include those described in U.S. Pat. 5,508,102 A, U.S. Pat. 7,585,797 B2, and U.S. Pat. 8,257,553 B2.

While the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain aspects thereof, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible, will be. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be accorded the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (22)

A plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues defining a laminate, the laminate having a right end, a left end, a transverse direction extending between the right end and the left end, a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, And a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and intermediate between the right end and the left end, the laminate defining a right side in the transverse direction between the longitudinal centerline and the right end, A left side in the transverse direction between the center line and the left end,
Wherein each tissue is connected to at least one other tissue on only one of the right and left sides of the stack through a connection. 4. The tissue of claim 1, wherein the connecting portions immediately following in the laminated direction alternate on the right and left sides of the laminate. The plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portions immediately following in the laminated direction are on the same side of the laminate. The plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues of claim 1, wherein the majority of the connections in the laminate are formed integrally with the tissue. The plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues according to claim 1, wherein no connection is formed integrally with the tissue in the laminate. 6. A plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues according to claim 5, wherein each connection is achieved through ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding or pressure bonding. The laminated body according to claim 1, wherein each of the right-side connecting portions of the laminate is closer to the right end of the laminate than a longitudinal center line of the laminate, wherein the entire left- Wherein the laminate is closer to the left end of the laminate than a direction centerline. A plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues defining a laminate, the laminate having a right end, a left end, a transverse direction extending between the right end and the left end, a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, And a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and intermediate between the right end and the left end, the laminate defining a right side in the transverse direction between the longitudinal centerline and the right end, A left side in the transverse direction between the center line and the left end,
Wherein the plurality of tissues comprises a first tissue, a second tissue, and a third tissue,
Wherein the right side connection connects the first tissue to the second tissue on the right side of the laminate, wherein the right side connection has an effective width extending in the transverse direction, 2 connected to a tissue, and
Wherein the left connection portion connects the second tissue to the third tissue on the left side of the laminate, wherein the left connection portion has an effective width extending in the transverse direction, 3 A plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues connected to a tissue. 9. The tissue of claim 8 wherein the majority of the connections in the laminate are formed integrally with the tissue. 9. The layered, interconnected tissue of claim 8, wherein no connection is formed integrally with the tissue. 11. A plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues according to claim 10, wherein each connection is achieved through ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding or pressure bonding. The plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues according to claim 8, wherein the right connection effective width and the left connection effective width are respectively 10% or less of the width of the laminate lateral direction. The laminate according to claim 8, wherein each of the right-side connecting portions of the laminate is closer to the right end of the laminate than a longitudinal center line of the laminate, wherein the entire left- Wherein the laminate is closer to the left end of the laminate than a direction centerline. 9. A plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues as in claim 8, wherein most of said right-hand connections and most of said left-hand connections each comprise 3 to 8 crosslinking strips. A plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues defining a laminate, the laminate having a right end, a left end, a transverse direction extending between the right end and the left end, a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, And a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and intermediate between the right end and the left end, the laminate defining a right side in the transverse direction between the longitudinal centerline and the right end, A left side in the transverse direction between the center line and the left end,
Wherein the plurality of tissues comprises a first tissue, a second tissue, and a third tissue,
Wherein the first right side connection connects the first tissue to the second tissue on the right side of the laminate, wherein the first right side connection has an effective width extending in the transverse direction, Is connected to the second tissue only on the right side, and
Wherein the second right connection connects the second tissue to the third tissue on the right side of the laminate wherein the second right connection has an effective width extending in the transverse direction, Wherein the second tissue is connected to the third tissue only on the right side. 16. The tissue of claim 15 wherein the majority of the connections in the laminate are formed integrally with the tissue. 16. The tissue of claim 15, wherein no connection is formed integrally with the tissue in the laminate. 18. A plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues according to claim 17, wherein each connection is achieved through ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding or pressure bonding. 16. The plurality of stacked, interconnected tissues of claim 15, wherein the first right connecting portion effective width and the second right connecting portion effective width are respectively 10% or less of the width of the laminate lateral direction. 16. The tissue of claim 15, wherein the entire connection of each of the stacks is closer to the right end of the stack than a longitudinal centerline of the stack. 16. The tissue of claim 15, wherein the majority of the connections each comprise 3 to 8 crosslinked strips. 16. A dispenser containing a plurality of interconnected tissues of claim 15 wherein the dispenser and the plurality of tissues are adapted to provide pop-up dispensation of tissue together, the dispenser defining a dispensing orifice, wherein the dispensing orifice Of the width is offset in the transverse direction from the longitudinal centerline toward the right end by at least 25% of the width.

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